Here’s a thought…
“The politician wants men to know how to die courageously; the poet wants men to live courageously.”
SALVATORE QUASIMODO
Public Facilities Grant Application Deadline June 15
-- from Victoria Compton -- A heads-up: The Public Facilities Financing Assistance Program (PFFAP) application deadline is on June 15. San Juan County runs this program using funding from gasoline taxes. This funding can help pay for public facilities projects in San Juan County, either as loans or outright grants. This
Ranker Asks for Ferry Reservations Input
-- from Sen. Kevin Ranker -- “Over the past several weeks, I’ve heard from many of you regarding your ideas, questions and concerns regarding the Washington State Ferries Reservation system. “I want you to know that I too have questions and share some of your concerns. While some of you
Land Bank Adds Two New Commissioners
-- from Tanja Williamson -- The San Juan County Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Wiese of Orcas Island, and Amanda Wedow, of Lopez Island, to serve as Land Bank Commissioners, effective immediately. Brian replaces Lisa Botiller, who served as Commissioner for six years, and Amanda fills
Strike Up the Band!
Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Orcas Center ---by Margie Doyle The Orcas Island Community Band, 25 years and going strong! "We are the longest running musical group in the San Juan Islands!" says Karen Key Speck of the Orcas Island Community Band, as she describes the
Ranker: Samish the First New San Juans Ferry in Decades
-- from the State Democrats -- M.V. Samish christening. Photo: Saltwater People Historical Society Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, released the statement below [on May 20] in recognition of the christening of M/V Samish, a 144-vehicle ferry, to the state’s fleet. In 2011, as a member of the
Guest Column: Environmental Impacts of Electric Cars
--by Tom Owens -- As you consider buying one of the new all electric cars, some thought should be given to their environmental impacts. Since they run on electric energy, we should look at where that energy comes from and what environmental impacts that causes. There are at least three ways
Larsen Bill To Support Healthy Estuaries Passes House
-- from Ingrid Stegemoeller -- The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a bill that Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, introduced to fund estuary improvement projects in the Puget Sound region and nationwide. Larsen introduced the bipartisan bill with Rep. Frank LoBiondo, NJ-02, in February. H.R. 944 would reauthorize the National Estuary
Terry Johnson Student Art Show
Friday, June 5, 5:30-7:00, Orcas Center -- from Prof. Terry Johnson -- The Eleventh Annual Terry Johnson Student Exhibition at the Orcas Center opens with a reception June 5th, 5:30-7:00. This annual event will feature fifteen local artists, with new work from 2014 to present. Most of the artwork will be
Guest Opinion: Revenue Shortfalls in OPALCO’s Rural Cooperative
-- by Alex Conrad -- With regard to [OPALCO's] need to meet certain debt covenants, we hear a lot about ‘revenue shortfall’ [see orcasissues.com/new-opalco-surcharge-to-correct-shortfall ] Let’s pause for a moment and look at publicly available data, some of which may surprise you. At the end of 2014, OPALCO’s TIER (times interest
Come to the Orcas Energy Fair!
Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Eastsound Village Green -- from the San Juans Conservation District -- Kids -- and grown-ups too! -- learn about solar power at the Energy Fair 2014 Join us Saturday June 6th for the second annual Energy Fair
Orcas High School Again Ranks at the Top
Kyle Freeman: "Once again Orcas Island has been recognized as one of the top schools in the state of Washington, #15 and the nation #740. This is an award that the students, staff (k-12), parents and community should be proud of and once again recognizes the commitment of our entire
There is Poison Hemlock in San Juan County
-- from Judy Jackson, Noxious Weed Control Program -- In 2009, 17 poison hemlock exposures were recorded by the Washington Poison Center. In 2010, a Bellingham man was hospitalized after having eaten what looked like a baby carrot growing in his garden. The same year a Tacoma woman died after
Sign up for Junior Sailing!
-- from Sail Orcas -- Junior Sailing starts June 22nd For the past 22 years Orcas youth ages 8-15 have been introduced to the sport of sailing through this popular program. Sail Orcas is happy to present this summer's program which focuses on teaching sailing skills in a safe, fun
New OPALCO Surcharge to Correct Shortfall
Rate Structure Discussion Ongoing -- by Suzanne Olson for OPALCO -- Sample Bill Comparison. Despite the rate increase in February, many OPALCO member bills have gone down because of warmer temperatures and lower kilowatt hour usage, which has led us to a revenue shortfall. What is your bill doing?
Sheriff’s Report: May 13 – 29, 2015
-- from Robin DeLaZerda, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office -- May 13, 2015 15-002333 Animal at Large 12:33:18 05/13/15: A Lopez Island deputy assisted in the safe return of a dozen cows to the owner's field after they went in search of greener pastures Wednesday afternoon. 15-002344 Parking Problem 15:34:41 05/13/15: Overflow parking from Elementary
Enjoy the Music that Beethoven Heard
Saturday June 6 at 2 p.m. at the Orcas Adventist Fellowship Church, Eastsound -- from Jeffrey Cohan -- Cohan, Creswell and Bonham to play special Beethoven concert Chamber music from Beethoven's time for flute, violin, viola and cello will be presented on period instruments in "A Beethoven Band"
