Here’s a thought…
“America is and always has been an argument — it’s an experiment.”
DAVID W. BLIGHT
Fire Chief Candidate Names Revealed
-- by Lin McNulty -- Three finalists have been selected by the OIFR Search Committee for the position of Orcas Fire Chief. All three have extensive fire department experience, and are local to Western Washington. Scott Williams, currently interim chief of Orcas Fire, Martin Fowler from Vashon Island, and Jason
Commemorating Veterans Day With School Music
-- from Sharon Ho -- The sweet chorus of elementary school children’s voices and beautiful selections played by Orcas Island School District Band and Strings groups, and the Orcas Island Community Band, set a moving tone at the Veterans Day Celebration held by the school district last Thursday, November 10,
Sons of American Legion Host Benefit Dinner
Friday, November 18, 6 - 8 p.m., American Legion Post -- from Judi Resch -- The Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L. Squadron #93) will be hosting a fundraiser on Friday, November 18, at the Post home, located at 793 Crescent Beach Drive. They will be serving a Prime Rib
Jetsam & Flotsam | Flocking and Growling and Jowling and Bowling
— a semi-regular humor column by Maurice Austin — The good news for those flocking to the San Juan Islands this winter is that the ferries tend to be quieter, unless you get stuck on a sailing with several young sports teams aboard, in which case the main cabin is
EDC Offers Free Workshop on Writing for Business
Tuesday, November 22, 1 - 2 p.m., San Juan Island Library -- from Victoria Compton -- Effective business writing is not only a key tool, it defines one’s image as a business person or entrepreneur. Join the San Juan County Economic Development Council for a FREE workshop on the topic
Guest Opinion | Weigh Track v. Music Room On Own Merits
-- from Justin Paulsen -- It appears that the current school bond proposal has been framed as an "I like the Music Room" vs. "I like the Track" discussion. Even though that is how the discussion has been framed, it isn't necessarily how the discussion SHOULD be framed. Each individual
Larsen Raises Concerns With Proposal to Privatize Nation’s Air Traffic Control System
-- from Representative Rick Larsen's Office -- Congressman: ‘progress can and should continue without privatizing the world’s largest and most complex air traffic control system’ Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Aviation, and Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Ranking Member of the Committee on Transportation and
Meet, Greet Three OIFR Chief Candidates
Friday, November 18, 6 - 7:15 p.m., Eastsound Fire Station -- from Bryon Frenyea, for the Chief Search Committee -- Orcas Island Fire & Rescue, Chief Search Committee would like to invite the public to an informal Meet & Greet for three applicant/candidates for the OIFR Chief’s position. The date
Planning Commission to Soon Have a Vacancy
The San Juan County Planning Commission will soon have an open position for a resident of Orcas Island. The 4-year term of Orcas Island's Position #2 ends on 12/2016. The Planning Commission is an essential part of the public process and community planning. State laws require each county to have a
Orcas Boy Choir Performs in Friday Harbor
Sunday, November 20, 4 p.m., Saint David Episcopal Church in Friday Harbor -- from David Bentley -- Saint David’s Episcopal Church welcomes Orcas Boy Choir under the direction of Mary WillAllen for their first appearance in Friday Harbor on Sunday, November 20, at 4 pm. This fall concert features a handful
Letter to Editor | Quid Pro Quo or Hobson’s Choice?
-- from Bea vonTobel -- The OISD board will place an interesting proposal on the February ballot. It will pit the concerns and interests of three major island groups against each other: those who wish to bring buildings and grounds to health and safety standards, music program supporters, and track supporters.
School Board Reaches Consensus on Bond for Phase III Development
-- by Margie Doyle, updated Nov.14 at 2:30 p.m.-- On Nov. 7 the Orcas Island School District (OISD) board, administration and public members met to deal with the nitty-gritty decisions facing them in considering a bond proposal to complete several projects cut from previous bonds for capital construction. First the
Deer Harbor Bridge Construction Continues
-- from John Van Lund -- Crews will place rebar and form the wing walls for the east and west abutments. The east and west abutments are the main structural supports for the bridge. The wing walls will extend off the ends of each abutment to contain gravel fill, which
How Are We Doing? A Quarterly Review of County Finances
-- from County Auditor F. Milene Henley -- Third quarter 2016 My first year of college I shared a landline (we called it a “phone” then) with 4 other dorm rooms. The phone sat in the hallway with a lock on the rotary dial (remember rotary dials?). We rarely used it,
Orcas Students Perform at Honor Music Festival
-- from Kristen Wilson -- Western Washington University’s 650-seat Performing Arts Center hosted a performance by students from this year’s San Juan Music Educators Association (SJMEA) Senior Honor Festival on November 11. Nine musicians from Orcas High School’s Strings and Band Classes attended this year’s Festival. Each year
Fall 2016 Precipitation Observations
-- from Paul Kamin, Eastsound Water -- The Seattle area experienced record rainfall in October. Over 9”, more than double the 3.5” average. On Orcas, rain was recorded on all but a handful of days last month, but our 6.5” of rainfall did not break any records. Below is a
