Here’s a thought…
“The future is already here. It’s just not evenly distributed yet.”
WILLIAM GIBSON
Why a WA lawmaker wants to collect data on cow farts and burps
||| FROM JACQUELYN JIMENEZ ROMERO for WASHINGTON STATE STANDARD ||| The latest beef in Olympia? Cow burps, farts, and poops. Washington lawmakers are considering a bill that seeks to gather better data on the scale and scope of methane emissions released by dairies and feedlots in the state. House Bill
Jury Duty cancelled for February 10-24
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: FEBRUARY 10-14, 2025 For the jury period beginning Monday, February 10th through Friday February 14th, all jurors are now excused.
Orcas Christian School students collaborate on essay project about pets
||| FROM ORCAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ||| Orcas Christian School English students in Mrs. McCutcheon’s class recently worked together with Ms. Debbie’s kindergartners to compose an essay about pets. The collaborative project allowed older students to mentor younger ones while exploring the topic in a fun, engaging way. “Students find meaning
Guest Opinion | Reflections on trade, tariffs, and winning
||| FROM DOUGLAS MARSHALL ||| Recent events recalled my high school textbook which taught that countries should balance their imports and exports. I asked the poor teacher “Why?” She became angry, because she could not explain such a complicated topic. That episode helped point me to a degree in Economics.
Small Plates, Big Table | Community feast at 2025 Agricultural Summit
||| FROM REBECCA MOORE for WSU EXTENSION | SAN JUAN COUNTY ||| The San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit invites farmers, food enthusiasts, and community members to gather for Small Plates, Big Table—an evening of local flavors, engaging discussions, and community connection. This highly anticipated event will take place at the Lopez
Washington Senate passes changes to parental rights in education
After a long debate Wednesday afternoon, the Senate approved changes to the standards outlined in Initiative 2018 from 2024. The amendments, which included removing parental notice of medical services or treatments for their children, were passed on a party-line vote. ||| FROM ALBERT JAMES for OLYMPIA NEWS BUREAU ||| OLYMPIA,
Big brrrrr coming up
||| FROM NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ||| URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Seattle WA 205 PM PST Sun Feb 9 2025 San Juan County-Western Whatcom County- Including the cities of Friday Harbor and Bellingham 205 PM PST Sun Feb 9 2025 ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM
Washington state leaders react to executive order limiting transgender athletes
Democrats are reaffirming their commitment to protecting trans people, following the President's action restricting their involvement in school sports. One Republican legislator believes it is time to push for restrictions at the state level. ||| FROM ALBERT JAMES for OLYMPIA NEWS BUREAU ||| OLYMPIA, Wash. – State leaders are reaffirming
Children’s book written by former OASIS School students has reached Amazon bestseller list
||| FROM TETYANA BURNETT for CHALKBOARD ACADEMY ||| Anna and Ian Burnett Former students from OASIS School (Orcas Island School District) and residents of DuPont, WA (Pierce county) Anna and Ian Burnett have captured the literary world’s attention with their recently released children's book, "The Queen of Spotland,"
Upcoming events at Orcas Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Chair Yoga: Enhancing Balance and Wellbeing for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Join us for Chair Yoga, a soothing practice tailored for seniors and those with disabilities, held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. This gentle technique incorporates the
Jury Duty | FEBRUARY 10-14, 2025
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| For the jury period beginning Monday, February 10th through Friday February 14th, jurors in groups 1 through 9 are required to appear for jury service on Tuesday, February 11th. Jurors in Groups 10 and 11 are excused. Jurors are to report to the main
Orcas Center Art Opening | Fiber and Textile Arts
||| FROM BETHANY MARIE for ORCAS CENTER ||| Orcas Center’s Visual Arts Committee (VAC) is pleased to present the first community show of the year: Textile and Fiber Arts on Friday, February 14 from 5:30-7pm in the Madrona Room. Textile art uses plant, animal, or man-made fibers to make practical
Systemwide WSF virtual meetings coming up
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| Next week on Wednesday, Feb. 12 and Thursday, Feb. 13, we’re hosting systemwide virtual public meetings to take questions and update community members on the latest at Washington State Ferries. Registration is required. To learn more and register, visit: https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries/about-us/community-participation
Midnight Mutterings | Vaccines
||| MIDNIGHT MUTTERINGS by JACKIE BATES ||| The US Senate is currently conducting hearings that will lead to the confirmations (or not) of the selections Donald Trump has chosen for his Cabinet, his closest advisors (other than Elon Musk) for his second term as President of the United States. One
Working Families Tax Credit | Get money back this tax season
||| FROM MEGAN METCALF for ORCAS COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER ||| Great news for Washington residents! The Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) is here to put money back in your pocket. If you worked in 2024, you may qualify for a refund of up to $1,290—helping to ease financial burdens. This
Sheriff’s Report | January 29 – February 4, 2025
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 25-000533 Suspicious Person/Circumstance 09:25:35 01/29/25 An Orcas Island Deputy arrested a subject for reckless driving, assault in the 3rd degree on a peace officer and resisting arrest. The subject was booked in jail in Friday Harbor. 25-000537 Found Property
