Guest Column: So Just How Does Our Government Spend Our Money?
By Jeff Struthers There is a great furor brewing in the other Washington about government spending, the deficit, and what to do about it. What's new is the intensity of the debate and the scope of the proposed changes in policies and spending. Unfortunately, recent public opinion polls also reveal
EDC & NW Workforce Offer Energy Retrofit Training for Contractors
Four-day training in Bellingham in April for $50 registration The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) announces Energy Efficiency Retrofit Technician training for currently employed or recently unemployed contractors and builders. This training will stimulate green jobs, drive market transformation, and improve energy efficiency in new and existing homes.
Islander Greg Ayers Confers with the President
Sometimes government moves so slowly, you almost think it’s comatose. And then there are the times, as Dr. Greg Ayers learned last month, when you scarcely have time to turn around before you’re meeting face-to-face with the U.S. President, advising him and his cabinet. Ayers took part with
A Call for Actors for the 10-Minute Play Fest!
By Ron Herman Are we tired of the long winter yet? Well, the plays have been chosen. Directors are being sought. Now it's time to gather actors to bring these wonderful stories to life. What better way to celebrate Spring than by participating with your friends and neighbors on Center
“Images of Experience” at March 23 Orcas Center Presentation
Dr. Amy Brook Snider will be the next presenter in Orcas Conservatory’s Lecture/Demo Series. This one time lecture, “Images of Experience,” will be held on Wednesday, March 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Madrona Room. Amy Brook Snider is Chairperson of the Department of Art and
Gund Family Conserves “Forever Wild” Land on Stuart Island
From the San Juan Preservation Trust The San Juan Preservation Trust is pleased to announce that a key 83-acre parcel has been added to a network of conserved lands on Stuart Island's iconic Tiptop Hill. With a donation of a conservation easement on their property, the Gund family
Public Works Director Jon Shannon Steps Down
By Stan Matthews, County Communications Program Manager San Juan County Administrator Pete Rose announced Friday, March 11, that longtime County Public Works Director Jon Shannon has asked to be reassigned from his position as department head to the position of transportation planner within the Public Works Department. In a letter
County Emergency Management Advice on Tsunami
Updated at 9:30 a.m. on March 11 At 7 a.m. on Friday, March 11, Brendan Cowan, Director of the San Juan County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) wrote regarding the 8.9 earthquake that occurred in northern Japan last night, and the resultant tsunami: "Current forecast is for tsunami from Japan
Many Choices for Weekend Activities and Entertainment
Friday March 11 Opportunity for Orcas General Contractors Informational Meetings 1 p.m. at the Orcas School Library. The Orcas Island School District is working with the State of Washington’s ESPC (Energy Savings Performance Contracting) Team to develop and implement an energy conservation project at the Nellie S. Milton Building (aka:
The Force Takes On School Lunch March 16
Bobby and Bev of Café Olga like a challenge. I came to truly understand that when I asked for a photo of them and instead got a picture of Yoda taking on the sinister Sith. So, when I threw down the lightsaber (versus a gauntlet in my day)
St. Patrick’s Parade to Chase the Snakes from Eastsound
Contributed by Tony Lee For those who are Irish, wish they were Irish, or are grateful they’re not Irish, Thursday March 17 marks the 11th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Eastsound. It promises to be the best parade yet, with floats, marchers, and St. Paddy himself attending
Opportunity for Orcas General Contractors – Informational Meeting on Friday, Mar 11
Informational meeting on Friday, Mar 11 at 1 p.m. in the school library The Orcas Island School District is working with the State of Washington’s ESPC (Energy Savings Performance Contracting) Team to develop and implement an energy conservation project at the Nellie S. Milton Building (aka: Orcas Elementary School). This
Yummy Spaghetti Dinner to Benefit Middle School
The 30th Annual Spaghetti Dinner will be held in the middle school cafeteria this Friday, March 11th. Dinner will include Meat or Vegetarian Spaghetti, a Roll, Salad, and Ice Cream Sundaes. The event is sponsored by Island Market; tickets for adults are $8.00, and for children 11 and under, $6.00
House passes Ranker bill to maintain sales tax for Canadian visitors
From the Senate Democratic Office The House of Representatives today approved legislation that would continue the collection of a sales tax from Canadians shopping in Washington. Senator Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Island, sponsored Senate Bill 5763 to ensure fairness for Whatcom County residents. Last summer British Columbia changed its sales
Orcas Salutes Poetry During April
On Sunday, April 17 in the Madrona Room of the Orcas Center at 7:30 p.m., islanders are invited to read poetry, written by themselves or others. Event organizers need to know by March 28 if you plan to participate. Email your plans to moldoff@rockisland.com, or edwilson@rockisland.com.There is no audition or competitive
EDC Announces Move to New Location, New Board Members
The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC), the state- and municipality-funded agency working to assist small businesses and startups in San Juan County, announces its move to a new location in downtown Friday Harbor. “Moving to our new location will put the EDC right at the heart of the
