Here’s a thought…
“No protracted war can fail to endanger the freedom of a democratic country.”
ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE
Garden Club Welcomes Ciscoe Morris
Wednesday, April 16, 2014, 10 a.m., Orcas Center -- from Janet Jacobson -- Spring is officially here, even if the weather doesn’t know it. Orcas is coming to life again, plant-wise. And it is appropriate that Ciscoe Morris is coming to the island to help rev us up and get
OICF Fundraising Workshop Scheduled
Thursday, May 8, 2014, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Parish Hall -- from Hilary Canty -- Susan Howlett (susanhowlett.com) is coming to Orcas! Join us on May 8 (8:30 am-4 pm at the Parish Hall) for a full day of Fundraising Skills building. Susan Howlett has been helping organizations thrive
Letter to Editor: Why I Want to Continue Serving
-- from Vince Dauciunas -- I am running for a second term as a member of the Board of Directors of OPALCO. I want to help make sure that what is a great Cooperative now becomes an even greater one in the future. When our co-op was formed, the biggest
Guest Opinion: Sonar Testing and Underwater Explosions
-- from Sadie Bailey, reposted April 13 -- The deadline to comment on the U.S. Navy's proposed sonar testing and underwater explosions has been extended to April 15. This is the chance to make our opinions and concerns known, regarding negative impacts on whales and other cetaceans. Here is the
April Poetry: Rotting Sea
In recognition of Poetry Month, and to celebrate our treasure trove of Orcas Island poets, Orcas Issues is pleased and honored to offer daily poetry during April. ROTTING SEA -- by Lin McNulty -- On a warm, sunny day Which follows several Warm, sunny days, Wind wuthers ashore The fragrance
Letter to the Editor: Send the Levy Back to the Board
-- Alex Huppenthal -- I have to vote NO on the Tax Levy. Here’s why. The Tax levy isn’t complete. It offers a bandaid approach to encourage voters to pass the Levy and leaves the door open for yet another round of funding, when the short fall is finally revealed.
Council Chair Hughes Asks Federal Legislators to Help Nuñez
San Juan County Council Chair Rick Hughes, from Orcas/Waldron District #2, sent the following letter to Senator Patty Murray, Congressman Rick Larsen and Senator Maria Cantwell on March 31, 2014, regarding the proposed deportation of Benjamin Nuñez: It has come to my attention that Orcas Island resident, Ben Nuñez, is
That’s Not a Harmful Red Tide We Are Seeing!
-- by Lin McNulty -- UPDATE: 3:00 p.m., April 12, 2014 Further investigation reveals that Department of Health considers the waters in East Sound to be closed to recreational and sports shellfish harvest. Commercial operations are closed ONLY if routine testing determines there is a specific problem with the product
Mentor Program Grows!
-- from Krista Bouchey -- The Funhouse Commons Mentor Program continues to provide Orcas Island youth with traditional one-on-one mentor matches and several types of project-based mentorships that link caring adults with small groups of children. The program is proud to announce its involvement in a statewide initiative for youth
Fire Chief’s Report: March 1 – March 31, 2014
-- from Chief Kevin O'Brien -- Fire Chief’s Goals and Priorities for 2014 Execute the mission of OIFR through direction of the Board of Commissioners Improve and maintain fiscal accountability for all OIFR operations Provide positive leadership for OIFR and our community Improve reliability and performance for OIFR Execute the
Letter to Editor: Why I Support OPALCO Board and Broadband
-- from Mark E. Madsen, San Juan Island -- Three years ago I ran for an OPALCO board seat, and lost. I ran because I understood that rural areas are not a winning proposition for our big national telecom and cable companies. The distances are large, the customers few, and
Land Bank Commission Welcomes Public to Orcas Meeting
Friday, April 18, 8:30 –11 a.m., Eastsound Fire Station -- from Jennifer Brennock -- The monthly San Juan County Land Bank Commission meeting will be held Friday, April 18 at 8:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the Eastsound Fire Hall. The public is encouraged to attend. Public comment time is
April Poetry: 51 Years of Evenings
In recognition of Poetry Month, and to celebrate our treasure trove of Orcas Island poets, Orcas Issues is pleased and honored to offer daily poetry during April. 51 YEARS OF EVENINGS -- by Carla Stanley -- On a crow black night dependency on doorknobs turn to shutting things out my
Celebrate 65 Years of Fire Service With the Volunteers
Sunday, April 13, 4–6:30 p.m., Random Howse -- by Lin McNulty -- On Sunday, the Volunteer Firefighters Association invites us all to come and celebrate their 65 years of service on Orcas Island. Random Howse, 365 North Beach Road, is hosting the celebration with free food and soft drinks. A
CenturyLink Releases 911 Outage Statement
-- from Jan Kampbell -- UPDATE: 5:40 p.m., April 11, 2014 The 911 outage which occurred in Washington on April 10 was not related to CenturyLink’s network, but due to a technical error by a third-party vendor. The vendor worked with our team to resolve the issue as quickly as
Spring Temperatures Bring What Appears to be a Red Tide
(Editor's Note: Orcas Issues has received updated information regarding Red Tides. See related story HERE.) -- from Alejandro R. Torres -- Red Tide observed on Crescent Beach. Photo: Alejandro Torres An early morning stroll along East Sound's Crescent Beach revealed a strange anomaly in the usual vista; the
