New guidance from the State for the agricultural industry
-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- Gov. Jay Inslee issued guidance today further clarifying requirements for the agricultural industry. This comes after the governor issued Proclamation 20-57 last week concerning the health of agricultural workers. It also builds on the Agricultural Safety Plan released on May 28 and previous guidance from the Washington State Department
Auditor: How the county is doing in this year like no other
-- from Milene Henley, San Juan County Auditor -- This year began like any other – a little too cold, a little too wet; but quiet, mostly devoid of tourists, and still the sleepy little island community we are used to. Then news spread of a virus on the other
Updated COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard provides deeper insight into regional and county trends
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Camp Murray, WA — Gov. Jay Inslee and the state’s Joint Information Center have launched an updated version of the state’s COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard. The updated dashboard provides researchers and the public a better ability to see what’s happening at the regional and county
Governor extends eviction moratorium
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee extended protections for renters today as COVID-19 continues to impact the finances of Washingtonians statewide. The governor first proclaimed a moratorium on evictions in mid-March, then extended and expanded the moratorium in mid-April. Proclamation 20-19.2 extends the prior eviction moratorium for 60 days (through August 1), and
Eastsound Water charts commercial, residential water useage during pandemic
-- from Paul Kamin, Eastsound Water -- In the first five months of 2020, Eastsound Water has sold 9% less water compared to 2019. Water use in the first three months of 2020 was very similar to 2019. The decline began following Washington’s March 25 “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order.
Today’s COVID-10 recap of 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. Tuesday media briefing. Officials from the governor’s office, the Department of Health and other state agencies held their weekly briefing this afternoon to update reporters on
SJC Health Officer updates order on transient lodging
Lodging up to 50% capacity authorized, provided adherence to specific safety guidelines -- from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management -- On Wednesday June 3, San Juan County Health Officer Dr. Frank James signed a new order (June 3rd, Order 2020-7) that modifies the previous limits on transient lodging in
Be on the lookout: ‘Tis the season of kits, pups and fledglings
-- from Shona Aitken for Wolf Hollow -- This is a wonderful time of year when all kinds of young wild creatures are making their appearances. Fledgling robins are fluttering in the bushes in your yard and raccoon and otter kits are starting to follow their Moms around. When they’re
No Doe Bay Fest this year
-- from Jami Mitchell for Doe Bay Fest -- Doe Bay Fest Coordinator, Jami Mitchell, announced this week that Doe Bay Fest 13, which was scheduled to occur at Doe Bay Resort and Retreat, August 6-9 is officially cancelled for 2020, as is the Imagine festival also hosted at Doe
Guest Opinion | Look back and weep
-- from Michell Marshall -- I feel an urge to share my reactions to recent events. As with so much else involving race, “it’s complicated.” People my age are reminded of the chaos of the 1960s, which was shaped by dissention over Vietnam as well as the civil rights marches
Pandemic poetry | A small, needful fact
A SMALL, NEEDFUL FACT Ross Gay Is that Eric Garner workedfor some time for the Parks and Rec.Horticultural Department, which means,perhaps, that with his very large hands,perhaps, in all likelihood,he put gently into the earthsome plants which, most likely,some of them, in all likelihood,continue to grow, continueto do what such
Marine debris can ruin a day on the water
Boaters are the front line in keeping Washington’s waters safe and clean -- from Washington Sea Grant -- With summer here it is more important than ever for boaters to understand the vital role they play as ambassadors keeping Washington’s waterways safe and clean. Two major hazards boaters produce are
County looks to fill board, commission vacancies
-- from San Juan County Communications -- The County Council is searching for San Juan County citizens to fill current and upcoming vacancies on various boards and commissions. Additional information about each committee is available on the County's website. CommitteePositionExpiresTerm LengthMember NameAgricultural Resources CommitteePosition #6 At LargeAug 31 2021 12:00AMPt'lAgricultural
Necco wafers are back. Will joy return to the land?
This story has nothing to do with coronavirus, politics, riots in the streets, or even local Orcas Island news -- from MSN.com -- Drugstores and retailers will stock the rolls of smooth, disc-shaped wafers this month. Its return comes in eight delectable flavors — lemon, lime, orange, clove, cinnamon, wintergreen, licorice,
Recap of 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. Tomorrow – COVID-19 Media Briefing planned for 2:30 p.m. Our weekly media briefing will feature the following panelists: John Wiesman, Secretary of Health, Washington State Department
Meet the airport manager finalists
-- by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter – The Orcas Port Commission is planning to hold a public meeting this coming Friday, June 5, that will provide an opportunity for the island community to meet with the three remaining candidates for the airport manager job. The location is yet to
