Here’s a thought…
“No protracted war can fail to endanger the freedom of a democratic country.”
ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE
Measles Update: Immunize – Mask Up – Watch for Symptoms
UPDATE: 11:42 a.m., April 11, 2014 New information confirms that anyone who was in the San Juan County Planning Department (Community Development and Planning) on April 4, 2014, between 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 pm., has been exposed to measles. Five Cases on San Juan Island and One Visitor Passing Through
Letter to Editor: Broadand and My OPALCO Candidacy
-- from Glenna Hall -- I am proud to be the San Juan Island District representative on the Board of Directors of Orcas Power and Light Cooperative. I am seeking another term because I want to make sure that this well-run and highly ethical company continues to move into the
Council Announces Historical Preservation Funds Available
Proposals for use of County Historical Preservation Funds -- Deadline May 30, 2014 -- from Ingrid Gabriel, County Council Clerk -- The San Juan County Council has discretionary funds, generated by recording fees intended to promote historical preservation or historical programs, which may include preservation of historic documents. The Council
April Poetry: Clouds Over Skagit Valley
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. CLOUDS OVER SKAGIT VALLEY -- by Ingrid Karnikis -- Across the high bridge where Swinomish waters wind flat through flooded fields and April
More Time to Comment on County Economic Plan
-- from Lynda Guernsey, County Department of Community Development and Planning -- The Economic Development Element and Cattle Point Road Vacation hearings slated before the Planning Commission on April 21, 2014 will not be taking place. They are now slated to be heard by the Planning Commission on May 16.
County Democratic Convention Coming
-- from David Dehlendorf -- The San Juan County Democratic Party (SJCD) will hold its 2014 county convention at 11:30 am on Saturday, April 12 at the Grange Hall in Friday Harbor. All registered voters of San Juan County who consider themselves to be Democrats are invited to attend this
Volunteers Prepare Olga Strawberry Building for Reconstruction
-- by Susan Gordon Bentley -- Strawberry Council Volunteers bring about the restoration of the Orcas Artworks building We’ve heard several comments lately that the Olga Strawberry Building (Artworks and Café Olga) is looking a little neater and that finally something seems to be happening. Well it is
Hazardous Waste Round-up Free to Households
-- from Frank Mulcahy, County Public Works Director -- The Orcas Hazardous Waste Round-up will be at the Orcas Transfer Station on Saturday April 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hazardous waste will be accepted separately from your regular garbage and recycling, and there will be a separate line from
The Nuñez-Helsell Sawmill Saga
By Lornet Turnbull of the Seattle Times People on Orcas Island are uniting around the sole operator of a small family-run sawmill there, saying his scheduled deportation to Mexico this month could force that business closed and harm the region’s economy. Owners of West Sound Lumber, where Benjamin Nuñez-Marquez has
Letter to the Editor: Fire & Rescue Makes Good Use of Funding
-- from Moana Kutsche -- A Yes vote on the fire levy will preserve and enhance our community’s investment in the Orcas Island Fire and Rescue department that serves us so well. The investment in people is paramount. OIFR can do what it does because of dedicated, highly-trained volunteers and
A Birds-eye View!
It's the Great Orcas Island Bird and Wildlife Festival! To celebrate with a flight of fancy, Orcas Issues invites our readers to view the world from a winged perspective: How-our-world-would-look-if-you-were-a-bird (And for an extra kick, see if you can guess the location before scrolling down to the bottom of the
Orcas Bird and Wildlife Festival to Kickoff with Feathers Author
-- from the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce -- The first-ever Orcas Bird and Wildlife Festival is fast approaching, from April 10 to 12, 2014. The Festival offers activities sure to please all who enjoy the birds and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. The line-up of walks, talks, workshops and
Emergency 911 Service Restored Statewide
-- San Juan County Sheriff Office -- UPDATE: 11:36 a.m., April 10, 2014 San Juan County Sheriff's Office reports that 911 service is now up and running. Seattle media also report that the outage is restored statewide. CenturyLink is responsible for all 911 service in the state. They have issued
April Poetry: Maasai Warrant
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. MAASAI WARRANT -- by James McKeon -- A cold wind out of the South Herded gravid clouds above the boma, Whistled through the
County Measles Health Alert
Measles (MMR) Immunization - call 378-4474 for appointment -- from San Juan County Health Department , updated April 10-- The San Juan County Health Department urges all parents to ensure that they and their children are fully immunized against measles at this time. If you or your child, older than
Community Rallied; Now Congress & Senate Members Step In to Help Nuñez
-- by Lin McNulty -- In response to numerous letters, phone calls, and email from concerned Orcas Islanders to local Senators and Representatives, the following letter has been sent to Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Jeh Johnson, on behalf of Benjamin Nuñez Marquez. Mr. Nuñez has been employed at West
