Here’s a thought…
“Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime. Ask the infantry and ask the dead.”
ERNEST HEMINGWAY
Letter to the Editor: Change Needed at OPALCO
-- from Lois Ludwig, Lopez Island -- Thank you for publishing Chom Greacen’s excellent article about OPALCO. Her facts on the rate increases are correct. Her questions are valid. OPALCO board members insist their facility increase is the best plan to offset unforeseen expenses. I’m saddened that the Board is
April Poetry: Lori Benjamin
In recognition of Poetry Month, and to celebrate and highlight our treasure trove of Orcas Island poets, Orcas Issues is pleased and honored to again offer daily poetry during April. Bedroom Plans: Summer -- by Lori Benjamin -- The bed slides outside with the touch of a finger soft pencil
Update on Reservations System Breakdown
-- from Lynne Griffith, Assistant Secretary WSDOT/Ferries Division -- On Tuesday, our ferry reservations system experienced technical difficulties. As of now, we are unable to accept reservations for summer travel on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands, Port Townsend/Coupeville and Anacortes/Sidney, B.C. routes until further notice. Our IT staff is trying to
Lots of Road Projects Starting Construction
-- by Margie Doyle -- Hard at work repairing the emergency vehicle access to Eastsound's Village Green This week, Mike Carlson's company started work to improve the Emergency Vehicle access to the Village Green. This is the beginning of a number of road projects set to begin on
Salish Sea Pilot Releases New Cruising Guides
-- from Jim Burgoyne -- Salish Sea Pilot has released the 2015 editions of their cruising guides to the Gulf Islands, San Juan Islands and Desolation Sound. The popular guides have been completely updated with many new illustrations and updated information about anchorages and marinas in the Salish Sea off
Ranker Criticizes Oil Train Bill’s Shortcomings
-- from Washington State Democrats -- Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, released the statement below following Wednesday’s [April 15] passage of an oil train safety bill that falls short of critical protections for communities and valuable information for first responders: “Someone said that Washingtonians will be safer under this bill.
Orcas School Students Again Win Achievement Award
-- from the Orcas Island School District Administration -- We would like to congratulate the students, staff, parents and community of Orcas Island High School for once again being recognized by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Washington State Board of Education with the Washington Achievement
Get Your Spring off to a Healing Start
Saturday and Sunday April 25–26, Healing Arts Center -- from Orcas Healing Arts -- The Healing Arts Center welcomes the community to attend their Spring Healing Arts Fair, on Saturday and Sunday April 25–26. For this fundraiser, offered twice a year, practitioners donate their services; all proceeds support the nonprofit organization that maintains
America Legion to Exhibit Military Memorabilia
Saturday - Monday, May 25-27, Noon - 4 p.m., American Legion Hall -- from Diane Baxter -- “The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth
Letter to the Editor: 2015 OPALCO Voting Recommendation
-- by Chom Greacen, Eric Youngren and Sandy Bishop -- We recommend voting for Randy J. Cornelius and Winnie Adams (incumbent). (You can find out more about the full slate of candidates and their bio’s by following this link:https://www.opalco.com/news_article/opalco-board-candidates-announced/). OPALCO is going through rapid changes and many issues have risen
April Poetry: Laurel Rust
In recognition of Poetry Month, and to celebrate and highlight our treasure trove of Orcas Island poets, Orcas Issues is pleased and honored to again offer daily poetry during April. PRESERVING THE FLOWERS -- by Laurel Rust -- Every night, last thing before going to bed, my mother would pick
Eastsound Advisory Planners Meet Today
-- from Pat Ayers, EPRC Secretary -- The Eastsound Planning Review Committee (EPRC) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, April 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Eastsound Fire Hall. The agenda calls for approval of minutes and a public comment period followed by: Old Business 1. The
San Juan Grange Hosts County Arts and Crafts Contest
Wednesday, April 22 at San Juan Island Grange Hall, Contest entries 11 am-1pm; viewing at 4 p.m. and Potluck starting at 5pm! -- from Boyd Pratt -- April is Grange Month, and the Granges of San Juan County are having a Grange Arts and Crafts Contest! Come by the San
Help With Emily’s Recovery Expenses
On April 8, 2015, Orcas high school senior Emily Foster was the victim of a hit and run pedestrian accident. Emily was crossing the road in a crosswalk on Main Street in downtown Eastsound. She was struck by a car which then fled the scene. Emily was airlifted to the nearest hospital, is
Letter to the Editor: How Should I Cast My OPALCO Vote?
-- by Don Webster -- Are you upset with the dramatic increase in the cost of our electricity which is only starting to hit the islands and will become more onerous in the next few years? Do you dislike the substantial financial risk the OPALCO Board has forced onto the
NW Straits Seeks Executive Director
-- from Jill Clark for NW Straits Foundation -- The Northwest Straits Foundation is seeking a dynamic, experienced leader to share our vision of diverse communities working together to restore a thriving marine ecosystem in the Northwest Straits of the Salish Sea and inspire others to act on their love
