Here’s a thought…
“It wasn’t a Blue Wave; it was an American Tsunami!”
Editorial Column: Everyone Needs Heroes
Today would have been my father’s 100th birthday. It always used to sneak up on me, but this year, I saw it coming a few days ago. Like everyone else, my parents grew in my esteem as I aged. I used to think my dad’s highest value was good
Bullwings continues at new address!
A new day is dawning, a new month begins, and Michael Sky and I are proud to bring you the enhanced Bullwings news website. We've given a lot of thought to making the news and views accessible, and to making it easy and interesting for readers to contribute. Please consider
The week ahead: Feb. 1 – 8
Sunday, Feb. 1 Kindlings WinterFest lecture 10 a.m. at the Orcas Island Community Church. Superbowl party at the Lower Tavern in Eastsound, starting at 3 p.m. with free appetizers. Superbowl party and dinner at the American Legion to benefit Jordan Griffin, $10 admission. 3 p.m. 376-4987 Monday, Feb. 2
American Legion to host Superbowl benefit for Jordan Griffin
The American Legion invites the public to a Superbowl Party and Dinner at the Orcas Island Post on Sunday, Feb. 1. Admission is $10 for big screen viewing of the XXXI Superbowl between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals, beginning at 3 p.m. Dinner will be served. All profits
Ferries' Moseley releases revised plan
On Jan. 31, Ferries Division Secretary of Transportation David Moseley wrote: We released the Revised Draft Long-Range Plan for the ferry system. The Revised Draft Plan updates a document released on Dec. 19, 2008, for public review and comment. We accepted comments on the draft plan through Monday, Jan. 26,
Total SJC 2009 Property Tax Bill: $41 Million
By Stan Matthews, County Communications Program Manager County Treasurer Jan Sears reported on Jan. 28 that her department began running the final calculations for taxes on each of the 17,127 taxable properties in San Juan County. The calculations are complex, as the bills include levies for 43 different
Stan Englehartson passes away
Stan Englehartson, longtime Orcas Islander, died Thursday, Jan. 22.Stan's parents homesteaded on Orcas and Stan and his brother Alan were born here. Stan spent his entire life farming, lumbering and working for the Road Department on Orcas -- except for serving in the Navy during WWII. He leaves his wife
Writers Festival Gurus plan community read
The Orcas Writers Festival Gurus are gearing up for a new year, starting with the Big Read, a grant program that gives money to support a community-wide reading program. The Gurus have decided that Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston is a good choice for the
All Ages Dance – Funhouse brings Common Market and No-Fi to Orcas Center
The fact that Barack Obama likes hip hop has brought me at least to the door to have a listen, and fellow Orcas Islanders will have that chance tonight when the Funhouse and Orcas Center join forces to bring hip hop genius to the island. Common Market and No-Fi Soul
2009 Property Tax Rates Set – lower for most, but…
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager San Juan County Assessor Charles Zalmanek reports that the total assessed value of taxable property in San Juan County increased 13.1% between 2007 and 2008 to approximately $7.976 billion. That is identical to the increase during 2006 and lower than the jump in
Friends help Jordan Griffin and Family following Spinal Injury
Since his accident snow-boarding at the Orcas Island golf course in December, 16-year-old Jordan Griffin has already overcome many obstacles on the road to rehabilitation. Jordan has moved from Harborview Hospital to Children’s Hospital where he’s now breathing on his own and is free of tubes and catheters.
Skatepark committee holds first meeting tonight
The Skatepark Committee will meet at the Orcas Island School Library on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 5 p.m. The committee was formed to address outstanding maintenance, financial, legal and safety issues at the Orcas Island Skate Park within Buck Park on Mt. Baker Road. At a meeting called by the
Get on the bus for education Feb. 26
Barb Skotte, President of the Orcas Island School District Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) alerted Orcas Islanders that the Washington State Legislature is gearing up for a session sure to focus on Basic Education Funding and the needs of our public schools. Skotte writes: Our school district administration and board members continue
There ought to be a law? Get in line before March 1
Docket Call: Public Can Request Changes in Comp Plan, UDC, Maps By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager The San Juan County Community Development and Planning Department has issued official notice that it will accept suggestions, proposals and requests for amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, the Uniform Development Code,
Afterschool Spanish Classes to start earlier
"The afterschool Spanish classes got off to a wonderful start yesterday -- thank you to Anna Roseberry for her wonderful teaching presence, and to Pat Hunt, our Program Coordinator, for her work in making these classes happen!" said PTSA President Barb Skotte on Jan. 27. By popular demand, the Wednesday
Jessica Gudgell named Orcas Junior Idol
On Saturday, Jan. 24, Jessica Gudgell was selected as Orcas Junior Idol. Jessica performed "Our Song," by Taylor Swift. As winner of the Orcas Junior Idol competition, Jessica is invited to sing at the Orcas Idol performance on Feb. 7 at the Orcas Center. Now in its fourth year, the
