Here’s a thought…
“Before we work on artificial intelligence, why don’t we do something about natural stupidity?”
READER BOARD
Montessori holiday wreaths are coming back this season
||| FROM URSULA PAMATIAN for ORCAS MONTESSORI SCHOOL ||| After taking a break for a year due to some unexpected events, we are thrilled to announce that Orcas Montessori School is back and ready for our 29th annual holiday wreath sale! But wait, there's more! This sale is not just
Letter to Editor | My support for Fire Commission is with Kate Hansen
||| FROM TISH KNAPP ||| My husband, Gene Knapp, served as prosecutor, on the Land Bank, and councilman in this county. He was known for his integrity, his ability to listen and his adherence to the law. He was respected by even those who disagreed with him. I see these
Looking to the future with outgoing Health Commissioner Marie Michnich
||| FROM GRAY GAILEY for ORCAS ISLAND HEALTH CARE DISTRICT ||| Marie Michnich. Photo Ayn Gailey. In 2012, Marie Michnich and her husband bought a piece of land on Judd Cove and spent the following years building their house and living part-time on Orcas. In 2019, they decided
Letter to Editor | I support Brian Ehrmantraut for Fire Commissioner
||| FROM JACK HART ||| I urge your vote for Brian Ehrmantraut for position 2 on the Orcas Island Fire Commission (SJC Fire Protection District No. 2). Brian would bring to the commission his experience with Orcas Fire both as an EMT and volunteer firefighter. But more important right now
Letter to Editor | I support Brian Ehrmantraut for Fire Commissioner
||| FROM DAVID TURNOY ||| I am writing to endorse Brian Ehrmantraut for Fire Commissioner. As Brian well knows from personal experience, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue is essential to the health and safety of our community. He says that he owes his own life to them rescuing him when
The oldest Puget Sound orca: L25 may be approaching 100
||| FROM THE SEATTLE TIMES ||| She is still out there: cruising miles uncounted, leading her family to fish. L25 is the world’s oldest known living wild orca, the uncontested reigning matriarch of the southern resident orcas that frequent Puget Sound. She ascended to that post after the death of J2,
In Memoriam | John Francis O’Brien III, 1943 -2023
||| FROM WENDY O'BRIEN ||| John Francis O’Brien III John Francis O’Brien III died peacefully in his sleep on September 6, 2023 at his home on Orcas Island, Washington. He was born February 14, 1943 in New London, Connecticut. He was an accomplished musician, cyclist, carpenter, storyteller, and
2023 General Election ballots have been mailed
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| All registered San Juan County voters will receive ballots for this election. San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2 (Orcas Island Fire & Rescue) is running a property tax levy. This levy is the primary funding source for fire and emergency
Garden Club reminds us that Fall is definitely here
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB ||| Hello everyone! Fall is definitely here as our gardens breathe a sigh of relief with cooler temperatures and the return of rain. Leaves are changing colors, the moss is turning beautiful shades of green, and the morning dew is rehydrating the plants. We
Letter to Editor | No does not mean no to our Fire Commissioners
||| FROM JOHN ERLY ||| Seventy-five percent of the Orcas Island voters said "no" to a levy a few months ago. The Commissioners have placed it on the ballot again. It costs the taxpayers money to have it on the ballot. Per the County Elections office, it's a little over
Letter to Editor | In support of Brian Ehrmantraut for Fire Commission
||| FROM JUSTIN PAULSEN ||| When your ballot arrives in the coming days, you have the opportunity to make a positive, meaningful change for Orcas Island Fire and Rescue. By electing Brian Ehrmantraut on the Board of Fire Commissioners, we will bring a long-time, respected member of our community to
How to stop whale deaths from real threats, not lies about wind energy
Protecting whales means busting fossil-fueled myths about wind energy — Right-wing disinformation is the real threat! ||| FROM GREENPEACE ||| Greenpeace offices and activists around the world have worked to protect whales and the oceans they call home for decades. The threats to whales and all marine life have evolved and multiplied — ranging
Schedule your flu shot now with Island Primary Care-Orcas
||| FROM ELLEN FRASER for ORCAS HEALTH CARE DISTRICT ||| Island Primary Care Orcas Schedule your Flu Shot! 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Adults: October 19 October 23 October 30 November 1 Pediatric: Get one during your doctor appointment or at school. Ask staff for details. Appointment Required. Additional dates will
Letter to Editor | I strongly support Brian Ehrmantraut for Fire Commissioner
||| FROM JENS KRUSE ||| With this letter I would like to strongly support Brian Ehrmantraut for Fire Commissioner (Seat #2) in the upcoming November 7th general election. Brian’s candidate statement in the Voters’ Pamphlet details his extensive elected, professional and community service experience. He has also served as an
Letter to Editor | Ehrmantraut is our choice for Fire Commission
||| FROM HANK DATE and HILARY CANTY ||| We hope you will join us in voting for Brian Ehrmantraut for Fire Commissioner position 2 and support the change that will allow OIFR to flourish. As a volunteer, Brian has a hands-on understanding of Orcas Island Fire and Rescue. He also
Why won’t Greenpeace admit that wind turbines may be killing whales?
||| FROM MATTRIDLEY.CO.UK ||| Who cares about whales? Whales might be dying because of sonar surveying, but Greenpeace simply ignores the science that doesn’t suit it. So far last year, 71 whales have washed up dead on the shores of New England and neighbouring states. The rate seems to have
