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
Peace Island adjusts visitor policy to allow limited access
-- from Deanna Ellefson for PeaceHealth Peace Island -- PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center has adjusted its visitor policy to allow for limited visitor access until COVID-19 is no longer a public health threat. Patients who are not COVID-19 suspect or positive are allowed one designated visitor during their stay. Two visitors
Library presents ‘Imagine Your Story’ summer reading program
-- from Jenny De Groot, Children's Librarian -- Readers of all ages will explore all things fairytale, fantasy, and myth this summer as Orcas Island Public Library presents “Imagine Your Story” library programing. Children’s activities include: the ever popular ‘books for library dollars‘ program, virtual creature creation programs, and a
Letter to Editor | Allow health commissioners to do their job
-- from Tony Giefer MD -- As a physician who provided medical care on Orcas for over 12 years, I wish to comment on some of the current issues. The initiator of the petition to keep the UW clinic on Orcas, and many of the commentators, have told their anecdotal
Orcas Island volunteer firefighters step up for virtual climb
-- from Kat Barnard -- Orcas Island Volunteer Firefighters are coming together to join thousands across the nation for a virtual climb this Saturday, June 13. The firefighters were originally slated to participate in the 29th Annual Firefighter Stair Climb with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Seattle this March
Recapping today’s COVID-19 news and updates
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Numbers. For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's website. DOH statement on testing data delay June 10.The Department of Health is committed to continued data transparency. However, a technical issue is preventing DOH from
Letter to Editor | Who is Island Hospital?
-- from Carl Buttke -- I signed the petition to Orcas Island Health Care District to allow UW to continue operating the UW Orcas Clinic as it has been. I did this for the following reasons: Now is not the time to change health providers to operate our clinic in the
Inslee letter to Pence calls for national PPE mobilization
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- In case you missed it: Gov. Jay Inslee sent a letter today to Vice President Mike Pence calling for a federal response to address persistent shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adequately protect healthcare and frontline workers, including by invoking the Defense Production Act.
Pandemic Poetry | Sorrow is Not My Name
Sorrow is Not My Name Ross Gayn —after Gwendolyn BrooksNo matter the pull toward brink. Nomatter the florid, deep sleep awaits.There is a time for everything. Look,just this morning a vulturenodded his red, grizzled head at me,and I looked at him, admiringthe sickle of his beak.Then the wind kicked up,
Governor announces new investigation into death of Manuel Ellis
-- from Governor Inslee's Office -- “I have become convinced that the Pierce County Sheriff should not complete the investigation of the death of Manuel Ellis and the county prosecutor should not review the investigation and make charging decisions. Instead, there must be a new investigation and charging decision made
In spite of the pandemic, a new Orcas business blossoms
-- by Lin McNulty, Orcas Issues Editor -- Last year, Orcas Islander Nik Schulz decided it was finally time to take the big step to pursue his dream career. He refers to it as a mid-life crisis, but looking at his work, it is apparent that he was meant to
Port Commission posts upcoming meeting Agenda
-- from Kim Kimple for Port of Orcas -- REGULAR MEETINGPRELIMINARY AGENDAJune 11, 2020 5:00 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86084677710?pwd=MEE2S29NV0xvQ3UyazhDdys0SUZrdz09Meeting ID: 860 8467 7710Password: 257104 CALL TO ORDER – 5:00 p.m.AGENDA AMENDMENTSPUBLIC ACCESSAPPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTESAPPROVAL OF VOUCHERSTREASURER’S REPORTCOMMISSIONER #4 APPOINTMENTExecutive Session for the purpose of evaluating the qualifications of
Today’s COVID-19 news, updates
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Numbers. For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's website. Long-term care facility (LTCF) data by county now available. DOH added data on the number of cases and deaths associated with care facilities in individual counties. Data
Community to gather on roadsides for high school procession on Saturday
Let's do this, Orcas, for our graduates -- from Brian Wright -- June 13 will mark Graduation Day for Orcas Island School District’s Class of 2020. Sadly, due to safety considerations related to Covid19, the graduates will be denied the usual celebration that Orcas Island is so very well known for.
Letter to Editor | Here’s why I would like to be your Port Commissioner
-- from Matt Fikse -- My name is Matt Fikse and I've thrown my "hat in the ring" as a candidate to fill the open term on the Port of Orcas commission. Here is some background about the skills I hope to contribute to this important public service role.My approach
Timing of Phase 3 application is up in the air
-- by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter – At the June 9 County Council meeting, Public Health Officer Dr. Frank James advised the Council that he would like to wait until at least June 24 before applying to the State to move to Phase 3 of the Safe Start re-opening
Guest Opinion | Businesses and guests must work together to safely reopen
-- from Barbara Marrett for San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau -- The world may no longer resemble the one we knew in early March, but San Juan County has risen to the occasion of meeting the COVID-19 challenge head-on. Now, as we start to take steps to reopen, we must continue
