Here’s a thought…
“Before we work on artificial intelligence, why don’t we do something about natural stupidity?”
READER BOARD
Here’s how annexing Canada would change American politics
We took Trump literally, not seriously, about the push to make Canada the 51st state ||| FROM POLITICO.COM ||| Donald Trump says Canada should become the 51st state. He should be careful what he wishes for. No, it’s (probably?) not a serious idea, but the president-elect keeps trolling the United
Why local power generation is important | Part 1 of 3
||| FROM KRISTA BOUCHEY for ORCAS POWER & LIGHT ||| OPALCO has been providing reliable power to the islands since 1937. Electricity is an essential and critical component to the modern-day lifestyles powering our hospitals, grocery stores, heating systems, and fire departments. Constant electricity does not come without some tradeoffs.
Deadline extended for vacation rental compliance certification process
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County’s Department of Community Development (DCD) is extending the deadline for filing the 2024 Vacation Rental (VR) Certificate of Compliance to January 31, 2025. Certificate of compliance applications are accepted through the online permit center, through the mail, or in-person. See
Gas pains
||| BY LIN MCNULTY, theORCASONIAN EDITOR ||| As of Aug. 10, 2023, it cost $4.056 for regular gasoline in Idaho, according to AAA. In Washington, regular gasoline cost is $5.017. That’s a price difference of nearly a dollar a gallon. Even Oregon was paying nearly 34 cents a gallon LESS
Les Contes d’Hoffman – Met Opera at Orcas Center
||| FROM BETHANY MARIE for ORCAS CENTER ||| Start the New Year off right with an incredible performance of Les Contes d’Hoffman on Tuesday, January 14 at 12pm on the big screen at Orcas Center. Filmed live in HD, these on-screen events presented by The Metropolitan Opera offer a diverse
San Juan County publishes 2024 Year-In-Review
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County is proud to present the organization’s 2024 Year-In-Review, highlighting accomplishments, notable projects, and the breadth of programs and services provided to island communities. The public is encouraged to access the document on the County website by scrolling the PDF below, clicking
New year brings new vessel distance regulations for Southern Resident Killer Whales
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| As of January 1, 2025, new distance regulations are in effect to better protect the highly endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) in Washington State waters. Boaters are now required to stay at least 1,000 yards away from these whales and disengage engines if
New public zone map aims to enhance accuracy of weather warnings in western Washington
||| FROM KOMO TV ||| When severe weather hits western Washington, where you live can make a big difference in the impact to you and your family. To give a more accurate and more detailed forecast, meteorologists at the National Weather Service office in Seattle are about to make a
Uncertain future for orcas as Marineland Antibes prepares for closure
||| FROM THE GLOBAL HERALD ||| Closure of Marineland Antibes and Its Implications Marineland Antibes, a prominent marine park located near Cannes, France, is set to close its doors permanently on January 5 due to evolving animal welfare legislation. This decision leaves the future of two resident orca whales, Wikie
Celebration of Life for Artha Kass
||| FROM RACHEL NEWCOMBE ||| In Hebrew, the number 18 is associated with the word "chai," which means life. So please join us as we share memories and celebrate the life of an island gem. Saturday, January 18th 2pm - 4pm Madrona Room, Orcas Center (Nosh to follow)
Announcing: Orcas Island Cheese Club
||| FROM COLE SISSON for ORCAS ISLAND CHEESE CLUB ||| A monthly club for local cheese enthusiasts to explore unique, artisan cheeses from around the world and our own backyard. Each month, we curate a selection of hand-crafted cheeses, providing a chance to discover new favorites while connecting with fellow
Community Meeting Reminder: Bayhead Creek culvert repair project on Killebrew Lake Rd.
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County is hosting a community meeting on Thursday, January 9, at the Orcas Landing to discuss the replacement of the culvert on Bayhead Creek under Killebrew Lake Road. Replacement of this culvert is required by state law, and San Juan County plans
Renewables won’t save us from climate catastrophe, experts warn; what will?
||| FROM MONGABAY.COM ||| Demand for renewable energy, particularly solar panels, is growing at an exponential rate. But the shift to solar, wind, EVs and other sustainable tech solutions has sparked an environmentally destructive mining boom and is itself carbon intensive. And even as renewables boom, we’re burning more fossil
OCS alum embraces role in college basketball
||| FROM ORCAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL STAFF ||| Mathew Eggenberg, a graduate of Orcas Christian School (OCS) and former high school basketball player, is embracing his role in college basketball and is grateful to remain involved with the game. After graduating from OCS in 2023, Eggenberg enrolled at Walla Walla University
San Juans Vision Source has moved to Prune Alley
||| FROM DR. CHRIS WHITE for SAN JUANS VISION SOURCE ||| We are excited to announce that the Orcas Island clinic has moved to a new location. You will now find us in downtown Eastsound at 410 Prune Alley, Eastsound, WA 98245 (previously Eastsound Liquor). We will be seeing patients at our
Sheriff’s Report | December 24 – 31, 2024
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 24-008168 Lost Property 11:49:24 12/24/24 A Detective responded to a report of lost property on Orcas Island. The item was retrieved and entered into evidence for the owner to claim. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25 24-008183 Citizen Assist 07:59:43 12/25/24 An
