Here’s a thought…
“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man.”
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Orcas Fire rolls out new ambulance, resumes in-person training
-- from Kim Kimple for Orcas Island Fire & Rescue -- A new ambulance is on the frontlines of Orcas Island Fire and Rescue’s emergency response fleet. Originally slated to roll out early this year, getting the ambulance outfitted and ready for service was delayed due to COVID-19. After battling
New positive COVID-19 test result reported on San Juan Island
-- from Brendan Cowan for Department of Emergency Management -- San Juan County Health and Community Services staff have been notified of a new positive COVID-19 test result in San Juan County, on San Juan Island. This brings the total number of cases in San Juan County to 16. This
Inslee letter to White House requests nation-wide COVID-19 aviation screening system
-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- In case you missed it: Gov. Jay Inslee sent a letter today to the Trump administration requesting the immediate implementation of a national aviation screening system for domestic and international passengers to ensure the safety of travelers and aviation workers. The letter reads,
Orcas Fire responds to wildland fire; reminder to public that burning is closed
-- from Kim Kimple for Orcas Island Fire & Rescue -- Orcas Fire responded Sunday to reports of a wildland fire that resulted from a residential burn pile spreading out of control after a fuel can that was being used to accelerate the fire ignited. The small wildland fire was
Inslee, Kreidler statement on Trump administration action to eliminate LGBTQ health protections
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- In case you missed it: Last week, the Trump administration announced its final rule rolling back health care protections for transgender patients. Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler today announced action to enact emergency rulemaking that will protect transgender Washingtonians' access to health care. The emergency rule will implement HB
Editorial | Who should be monitoring our local law enforcement?
Are we okay with 'so far, so good?' -- by Lin McNulty, Orcas Issues Editor -- Vesting police officers with the authority to use reasonable force and to protect the public welfare requires monitoring, evaluation, and a careful balancing of all interests. Does this hold true, even in small communities?
Pandemonium Poetry | Praise by Angelo Geter
Praise Angelo Geter Today I will praise. I will praise the sun For showering its light On this darkened vessel. I will praise its shine. Praise the way it wraps My skin in ultraviolet ultimatums Demanding to be seen. I will lift my hands in adoration Of how something so
Have you answered your census yet? 10 minutes, 10 questions, 10 years impact
-- from Liz Thompson for U.S. Census Bureau -- The 2020 Census is under way and we need to make sure every person is counted. Every 10 years since 1790 the government counts every person living in the country. The data collected helps determine how much federal funding our community
The Exchange rises again; opening on June 18
New COVID rules are changing things, however, with intake, sales day rotations -- from Orcas Recycling Service -- The Exchange reuse store, located at the Orcas Island Transfer Station, will re-open on Thursday, June 18, with normal days and hours of operation, Thursday – Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Planning underway to develop back-to-school plan
-- from Orcas Schools Superintendent Eric Webb -- This past week, we received the guidance that we have been waiting for from OSPI and the Department of Health. OSPI’s recommendations echo our goals to provide students with more in-person instruction and will further guide our work. It is important to
Fire Commission schedules regular meeting
-- from Kim Kimple for Orcas Island Fire & Rescue -- On Monday, June 15, 2020 at 5:30 p.m., the San Juan County District #2 Fire Commissioners will convene a meeting, by phone and via ZOOM, to address the following agenda items: Online / by phone via ZOOM: Dial #
Port Commission will continue interrupted session
-- from Kim Kimple for Port of Orcas -- Following an internet outage at the last meeting on Thursday, June 11, the Port of Orcas Commission has scheduled a new date and time, June 15, 2020 at 5 p.m., to continue. Join Zoom Meeting.Meeting ID: 880 2032 6963Password: 923621Note: This
Diversity Book Fund launches to provide free children’s books
-- from Ady Walker for Children's House -- The mission of Children’s House is to prepare children for kindergarten and life, and rests on the ideals of inclusivity and equity. We believe every child has the right to grow up with safety, love, and the opportunity to reach their full potential. Systemic
Master Gardeners are still available for your plant questions
-- from Dianne Macondray for Master Gardeners of Orcas -- Do you have a plant problem? Would you like a bug identified? The Master Gardeners of Orcas are virtually here to help. In order to answer your questions, we recommend you fill out the proper form found HERE, and email
Village Voices | Meet some island visitors
--by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter-- It was a relatively quiet Saturday afternoon in Eastsound when I set out to interview a random selection of people visiting the island. And there were fewer visitors out and about than I had anticipated. Of the 14 families or individuals that I approached
Orcas Community Resource Center advocates for racial justice
-- from Orcas Community Resource Center Board of Directors and Staff -- As we all continue to deal with the economic, social, and healthconsequences of the novel coronavirus pandemic in our community, we arealso coming face-to-face with the tremendous harm caused by racialdiscrimination in the United States. The events occurring
