Here’s a thought…
“The further a society drifts from truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.”
GEORGE ORWELL
Guest Editorial: Good People Grace Our Garden
-- by Madie Murray for the Orcas Island Farm to Cafeteria Program -- There are so many unsung heroes on our Island. It would take a novel to laud them all. But I’d like to mention three that have given so much to our Public School Garden over the past
Senator Ranker Champions Orcas Library Expansion Project
-- from Phil Heikkinen, Director, Orcas Library -- Orcas Island Public Library received a critical boost this week with passage of the State’s biennial budget for 2015–2016, which included $1.4 million in funding for the Library’s expansion project, “Books and Beyond: The Next Chapter.” Senator Kevin Ranker, supported by Representatives
Notice: Upcoming and Current Board Vacancies
-- from San Juan County Communications -- The County Council is searching for San Juan County citizens to fill current and upcoming vacancies on various boards and commissions. Additional information about each committee is available on the County's website at: https://sanjuanco.com/Council/AdvisoryCommittees.aspx Persons interested in serving on a board or advisory
Island Smoke Warrants Health Alerts
-- from Orcas Fire and Rescue Chief Mik Preysz -- Smoke from fires over British Columbia are clouding our air. Health alerts in effect. Photo from US National Weather Service Orcas Island Fire and Rescue would like to let our Island residents know that we do not have
Perfect Storm for Smoke, But Not From Our Fires
UPDATE: 10:30 a.m., July 6: Air quality upgraded to "moderate." UPDATE: 8 p.m., July 5: Air quality downgraded to "unhealthy." -- by Lin McNulty -- Can you see beyond your nose, or is everything socked in around you? As 66 fires blaze in nearby British Columbia, Whatcom County battles a
The Nutts and the Worleys Leave OCS Staff
Reception July 11 from 4-6pm at Orcas Christian School Orcas Christian School announces the retirement of Maria and Bob Nutt, and Judy and Roger Worley. OCS appreciates the involvement and sharing that the Nutts and Worleys have given to both OCS and the Orcas community. OCS invites the island communities
Fire Alert: Smoke from Portage Island Fire
-- by Margie Doyle -- Orcas Fire and Rescue Chief Mik Preysz announced at 10 a.m. Sunday morning, July 5, that the smoke islanders are observing is from a fire at Portage Island in Bellingham Bay. Firefighters from the Department of Natural Resources are fighting the Portage Island fire, and
Matthew’s Magic Show is Marvelous
-- by Margie Doyle -- The Magic Show-- from Left, Matthew Laslo, Madie Jane West, Virginia Sides and Maria Bullock There's magic in illusions, sleight-of-hand and memory tricks, but the greatest magic in Matthew Laslo's "Magic Show" is in the grace and polish of the performers. At the
Nothing Like an Orcas Parade
-- by Lin McNulty -- [metaslider id=37825] Orcas has often been referred to as the "parade island," as we never miss an opportunity to dress up, be silly, and walk the streets of Eastsound. This year as always, Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce sponsored the yearly Fourth of July event that
State Funds Library Expansion
Senator Ranker Updates Capital Projects -- from the office of State Senator Kevin Ranker -- I wanted to provide you with one last brief update regarding the incredible projects and the hundreds of jobs that will be created in Skagit, Whatcom and San Juan Counties with the passage of the
Honor Jack and the Incoming Mayor
-- from Susan Anderson, Children's House, updated July 3 -- Jack, the beloved Village Mayor, will step down when a new mayor is elected on July 4, 2015 Vying for the position of Honorary Mayor of Eastsound, five local politicians (three canines, one caique parrot and an orca),
Historic Appraisals and Traditional Logging Show Highlight Historic Fair
Plus a hot dog stand and a beer garden in the shade! -- by Margie Doyle -- The Harvey Family Logging Show drew out the Historical Days Fair to the Village Green on July 3 The amazing Harvey family again delighted -- and educated -- Orcas Islanders and
Comment on Ferry Fare Changes for County Residents
Transportation Commission adds ways to participate -- from the Washington State Transportation Commission -- Those who want to weigh in on a new ferry fare proposal released by the Washington State Transportation Commission can do so 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at the County Administrative Office Building in Friday Harbor.
Reminder: Open Burning Season Suspended
-- from Bob Low, SJC Fire Marshal -- All Residential and Commercial burn permits have been suspended because of the unusually dry weather. There have already been a number of grass and brush fires throughout San Juan County. Recreational fires (two feet in diameter or less) are still allowed as
Journey Off the Map: Vacation Bible School
--from Meredith Griffith for Orcas Island Community Church -- All island kids from three years through 6th grade are invited to attend a free jungly adventure at Orcas Island Community Church on July 6-9. “Journey Off the Map: Vacation Bible School 2015” will lead young explorers through “uncharted territory” with
Letter to the Editor: World-Class Response from Orcas Fire and Rescue
-- by Paul Sheridan, Director, Four Winds Camp -- To the Editor: I want to take a moment out of the craziness of summer to publically thank Orcas Island Fire & Rescue. We had an injured camper here at Four Winds last week, and our team decided that we needed
