Here’s a thought…
“When I despair, I remember that all through history, the way of truth and love has always won. There have been murderers and tyrants, and for a time they can seem invincible. But in the end they always fall. Think of it, always.”
MOHANDAS KARAMCHAND GANDHI
Mammograms at Orcas Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Assured Imaging will return to Orcas Senior Center this year for mammograms from September 18-20. Early detection is crucial, as one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and nearly all cases can be treated successfully if caught early.
Letter to Editor | O’Day clarifies position on 32-hour work week
||| FROM STEPHANIE O'DAY ||| I am writing to clarify my stance on the 32-hour work week for our county. While I believe the County entered into this decision hastily, due to management’s effort to appease the union ask for staff pay raises, I am not opposed to the 32-hour
Midnight Mutterings | Have a nice day
||| MIDNIGHT MUTTERINGS by JACKIE BATES ||| I’m feeling curmudgeonly tonight about something that isn’t very important on the big scale. Just something that annoys me more than it should, and has for some years. And here it is: All too often (at least for me) at the end of
OIFR & SJCSO respond to high-risk motor vehicle crash
||| FROM ACTING CHIEF CHAD KIMPLE for ORCAS FIRE & RESCUE ||| San Juan County Sheriff’s Office (SJCSO) received a 911 call for suspicious circumstances in the Massacre Bay area on 8/8/2024. The reporting party was from across the bay and heard possible yelling of ‘Help’. The deputy responded to
Sheriff’s Report | July 31 – August 7, 2024
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, JULY 31 24-004873 Accident-NonInj 12:48:49 07/31/24 A Lopez Island Deputy was dispatched to an Accident Non-Injury. The incident was documented. 24-004874 Agency Assistance 13:17:26 07/31/24 A Division of Youth and Children, Youth and Family referral was made to the Sheriff's Office.
Letter to Editor | Join me in supporting Stephanie O’Day for council
||| FROM JESSICA CHAFFEE ||| I write to you today not just as a concerned resident of San Juan Island, but as one voice among many grappling with a pressing issue threatening our community’s future: affordable housing. For over 30 years, I have called San Juan Island home—a place of
Call for Artists: Abstract Art
||| FROM BETHANY MARIE for ORCAS CENTER ||| Orcas Center’s Visual Arts Committee (VAC) is calling all Orcas artists to showcase your creativity and passion for abstract art! Let’s explore and celebrate art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms,
Ongoing dueling Eastsound Water recalls
||| FROM CAROL ANN ANDERSON, RON CLAUS, and JIM COOK ||| On Wednesday of this week, the "leadership" of Eastsound Water Users Association, calling itself the "Eastsound Water Team," sent an email to EWUA members stating that we had "breached [our] fiduciary duties as board members" of the Association and
Senior Center Match has been met
||| FROM HILARY CANTY ||| Plenty of good news this week. The Senior Center Match was beyond successful! The Community ended up contributing $65,212- a full $15,000 beyond the goal. Fantastic news for the Senior Center. Thanks to all who contributed. With these funds secured, the center will be able
County approves lease for Argyle lots
||| FROM LARISSA NASH for SAN JUAN COUNTY HOME TRUST ||| After a half decade long process of working towards expanding affordable housing on San Juan Island, there has been a stamp of approval for a 99 year ground lease between San Juan County and the San Juan Community Home
Update on WSF crew negotiations with the state
Poor management and low pay are hobbling engine room workforce, resulting in canceled sailings, backlog of repairs and maintenance ||| FROM KRISTIN HYDE for MARINE ENGINEERS BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION ||| Seattle, WA – Members of the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A) Washington State Ferry workers bargaining team are taking the state’s
WSF Weekly Report | New baby on board, customer kudo, recruiting veterans, a look at new ferries
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve When I started at Washington State Ferries it was clear we had a major challenge with workforce development. It took years to get into this predicament and I’ll be honest, it’ll take years to fix – but
Occam’s Razor | Our island, our world through the eyes, pen of S.C. Watson
Welcome to our weekly feature, Occam's Razor, from local artist S.C. Watson.
In Memoriam | Tanya Leigh Hutchins, July 3, 1970 – July 20, 2024
||| FROM ANDREW YOUNGREN ||| Tanya Leigh Hutchins July 3, 1970 - July 20, 2024 Tanya Hutchins, born and raised on Orcas Island, was tragically killed in an airplane accident just north of Juneau, Alaska, together with her partner Hans Munich. Tanya brought joy to the lives of
Free cognition and swallow screenings
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Speech-Language Pathologist, Libby Lewis, will offer free cognition and swallow screenings at Orcas Senior Center Friday, August 16. Screenings involve a review of concerns and a brief assessment of cognition or observation. Libby provides speech-language services to adults throughout the region.
LWVSJ Observer Corps: County Council August 6, 2024
||| FROM NECIA QUAST for LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ||| Three new county employees were introduced, a new dispatcher and a new deputy in the Sheriff’s Office and a new public health social worker. During public comment eleven citizens representing schools, science and arts organizations urged the council to implement a 1/10th of 1% tax
