Here’s a thought…
“I’m calling on Washingtonians – please, don’t be a spark this weekend. Your choices could literally save lives.”
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC LANDS DAVE UPTHEGROVE
Oil Trains and Spills Regulations Dropped in Legislature
-- by John Stang, from Crosscut.com -- A homeless-housing bill and a veterans' tuition bill got last-minute reprieves Friday afternoon [March 7]. The Senate Majority Coalition Caucus' leaders and the House's Democratic leaders agreed to make those two bills immune from a 5 p.m. Friday deadline to pass bills. In
Orcas Christian School Hosts Community Dinner
-- from Sandi Harris -- The final COMMUNITY DINNER of the season, on Tuesday, March 11th from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Orcas Christian School, in the High School building. Come and enjoy a FREE Italian dinner with friends and family!
Orcas Center Honors Pat Thomas and Robert Hall
-- by Margie Doyle -- Orcas Center awarded the 2013 Bunny Award for for "outstanding performance on stage" to Robert Hall and the Margaret Exton Award for "outstanding contributions and service" to Pat Thomas at its Annual Meeting today. Orcas Center's Executive/Artistic Director Kara O'Toole chaired the Annual Meeting in
Fire Dept. Mechanic’s Accident: Reports from Sheriff’s Office
-- by Margie Doyle -- Last fall rumors were swirling about a vehicle accident earlier in the year involving members of the Orcas Island Fire Department. Because it involved a publicly supported taxing district, and because so many of the rumors were damaging to the reputation of the Fire Department
Guest Editorial: Thanks to our Health Exchange “Navigators”
-- by Alison Shaw -- I would like to thank some of the unsung heroes here on Orcas Island that you may not know about. The new Washington Health Benefit Exchange, which opened for business on Oct. 1, 2013, has allowed many of our island neighbors to obtain affordable health
Acclaimed Production of Werther Coming to Orcas Center
Sunday, March 16 at 1:00 pm., Orcas Center -- from Artha Kass -- Werther. Photo by Brigitte Lacombe Star tenor Jonas Kaufmann sings the title role of the tortured poet in the Met’s acclaimed new production of Massenet’s Werther streaming to Orcas Center on Sunday, March 16 at
Community Foundation Grants Deadline Nears
The Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) is currently soliciting grant applications from island non-profit organizations. The deadline for applications is Friday, March 14. Applications may be obtained at the OICF website, www.oicf.us and questions may be directed to the OICF office at 376-6534. While all grant applications will be considered,
Back to the Drawing Board for School Remodel
-- by Margie Doyle , Updated March 7 at 11:30 .m. -- At its Special Meeting today to discuss the construction bids that were submitted on Weds. Feb. 26, the Orcas Island School District (OISD) board decided to: Abandon the plan to move the Middle School classrooms to the second
Native Plant Sale – Order Deadline Extended
Order Deadline March 21 / Sale March 29 -- from Jane Wentworth -- Evergreen Huckleberry. Photo: Washington Native Plant Society There is still time to order native plants from the San Juan County Master Gardener/Conservation District Native Plant Sale! The sale is scheduled for March 29, from 9
Letter to the Editor: Funding Means More Reliable Ferry Service
Great news, HB-1129 to fund construction of a third new 144-car "Olympic" class ferry, passed the Senate yesterday on a 41-8 vote. Sponsored by our Representative Jeff Morris, this bill has already passed the House on a 62-36 vote. The strength of support for ferries, particularly in the Senate, was
Sen. Ranker Bill Supporting Future Farmers Goes to Governor’s Desk
-- from Aaron Wasser, Sen. Ranker's Office -- The legacy of small Washington farms will be passed on to future generations with help from legislation adopted by the House, 88-9, on Friday. Senate Bill 5123, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, which cleared the Senate unanimously last
Senate OKs Rep. Morris’ Bill for 3rd New Ferry
-- from the Washington House Democrats -- The state would update its aging ferry fleet with a new boat and sustain shipyard jobs under a bill approved by the Senate today [March 7]. “This is a win for Washington,” said Rep. Jeff Morris, who sponsored the proposal. “This bill is
Special Library Board Meeting
-- from Mary Pugh -- The Orcas Island Library Board of Trustees will meet for a Special Library Board Meeting, Sunday March 9, 2014 at 11:30am at Mia's Restaurant, 109 N Beach Road, Eastsound. The meeting will be to discuss the Library Building Project.
Unitarian Universalists: No Sunday Service March 9
Lenten Supper March 12 -- from Susan McBain -- Our usual second-Sunday service will be replaced by a Lenten soup supper on Wednesday, March 12. Please join us at 5:30 for a simple meal and a brief service. We will meet in Benson Hall at Emmanuel Church, 242 Main Street.
Council Passes New CAO Regs
Public workshops on March 14 and 20 -- from San Juan County Communications -- County Council adopted new critical area regulations on March 5, 2014, to comply with a Growth Management Hearings Board’s decision. The regulations become effective March 31, 2014. Permit applications submitted on, or after March 31, 2014,
Link Daylight Savings Time with Smoke Alarm Checks
Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 9 at 2 a.m., when we spring forward one hour for the purpose of making better use of daylight. As we set our clocks ahead, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends testing your smoke alarms. Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in
