Here’s a thought…
“It wasn’t a Blue Wave; it was an American Tsunami!”
Letter to the Editor: The Great Divide
The polarization of opinion here has reached a fever pitch which is threatening the future of the San Juan Islands. There are environment concerns which are bitterly opposed by property right advocates. This division exists nationally. On the national scene this division in reflected by short term interests of corporations looking at
Is Chetzemoka Ferry a Lemon?
From the Everett Herald By Jerry Cornfield, Herald Writer A simmering debate on the design, durability and cost of the Chetzemoka ferry is heating up and may be nearing the boiling point. State lawmakers are steamed by revelations in an audit last month that the vessel's final off-the-dock, in-the-water price
Charter Propositions’ “Invalidation” Lawsuit Proceeds
Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 10:30 a.m. in San Juan County Superior Court in Friday Harbor By Margie Doyle The "Charter Proposition" lawsuit to be heard in Superior Court in Friday Harbor on Tuesday has the potential to throw a monkey wrench into County government, specifically our elected legislators. As Randall
Leadership San Juan Islands Begins New Cohort
By Morgan Meadows, Leadership San Juan Islands Outreach On January 25, 2013, Leadership San Juan Islands (LSJI) welcomed Cohort IX to Orcas Island for a two-day retreat session. Heartwood, the Center for Inspired Living in Eastsound, hosted the Use of Self Retreat, and Smuggler’s Inn hosted the overnight guests. The
The Week Ahead: Looking for the Calendar?
A New Addition to Orcas Issues! It's now easier than ever to see at-a-glance what's happening on Orcas Island. You can now click on our new Calendar in the sidebar to easily access current and upcoming events at any time. We invite you, our readers, to look to the date
Interisland Ferry Canceled Sunday Afternoon
Updated at 2:40 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17 By Margie Doyle Due to propulsion problems, the Chelan's 12:00 sailing to Anacortes from Orcas was canceled. Washington State Ferries reports that the 1:50 pm Anacortes to Lopez,Shaw, Orcas, and Friday Harbor is cancelled due to necessary vessel maintenance to the Chelan. This
Guest Column: Update on Reuse at the Orcas Island Transfer Station
By Mark DeTray If you have been wondering, pondering, musing over and/or otherwise asking yourself and others about the status of site clean-up and a new reuse center at the Orcas Island Transfer Station, here's the latest: The Exchange has filled out all relevant portions of a Demolition Permit for
Letter to the Editor: Pratt Thanks Participants in Primary Election
To the Editor: Thank you to everyone who voted in the primary election and to all the candidates who participated. I look forward to a positive and civil general election campaign and vigorous discussions about the issues that matter most to islanders. Sincerely, Lovel Pratt Candidate for San Juan County
100 Musicians! 1 Great Cause!
Please “mark your calendars” for Sunday, March 3 at 3 p.m. The community is invited to attend the Music Advocacy Group's (MAG) 16th annual benefit concert for the Orcas School Music Program in the Orcas School K-8 gym (the old gym). The concert features more than 100 musicians from the
Letter to the Editor: Jarman Thanks Friends and Supporters
THANK YOU to all my supporters, family, and friends for voting in the primary and putting me through to the general election. Your faith in me and my views has been overwhelming. I would like to acknowledge my fellow Council candidates; especially Marc Forlenza, Rick Hughes and Greg Ayers. They
Hotbed Hotel: Doors, Beds & Silliness Prevail
Gillian Smith in "Hotbed Hotel" Photo by Chris Thomerson A Review by Margie Doyle Opening night of the farce "Hotbed Hotel" had the audience all but falling out of their new chairs as slamming doors, lost clothes, double-takes and clever timing prevailed -- not to mention double-roles and
Legal Pot: What Rules Should Apply?
Two documents offer recommendations; Mt. Vernon Forum Tuesday, Feb. 19 From the Skagit County Child and Family Consortium As you may know, the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) is hosting public forums across the state to hear ideas and suggestions regarding rule-making for legalizing marijuana. The WSLCB has the
5th to 8th Grade Music Students Bring Their “A Game” to Contest
Making music, island-style, school horn players rehearse on the ferry By Kristen Wilson for Music Advocacy Group (MAG) “We couldn’t ask for better news,” said Pamela Wright, Music Director for 5th to 8th grade string groups and chorus. On the heels of Orcas High School’s outstanding performance
Fire Chief’s Report: Busy, Busy, Busy
January 8, through February 11, 2013 ……………………….CALLS FOR SERVICE ………………..This Report ……..Year to Date EMS……………… 67………………..77 Fire/Other…….. 12………………..15 Total…………….. 79……………… .92 2012………. 1/1/12-2/11/12…………..62 Year to date responses have increased 32.6% FIRE CHIEF’S GOALS AND PRIORITIES FOR 2013 Execute the mission of OIFR through direction of the Board of Commissioners
Update: Non-Profits Snap Up Orcas Issues Offer
Updated Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. Yesterday, Orcas Issues announced a special offer to island non-profits: "On the heels of the recent "Response to Newtown" consensus group and Council Community Conversations, Orcas Issues is pleased to offer FREE ADVERTISING for the sharp-eyed among the non-profits. "Take advantage of our offer,
Winter on the Rock: Stepping Back for Good Business
Joann Frances and Sylvia Biddick take it easy between beyond-busy seasons. Joann holds one of Eastsound's canine office workers, Rumi, who is named in honor of the Persian poet who founded the whirling dervishes. A drizzly, miserable northwest day. Work to be done, calls to be made, emails
