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
County grapples with decline in tax revenue
-- by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter -- For the last seven weeks the County Council has allotted time at each of their meetings to discuss the condition of the County budget in the wake of the Coronavirus impact on the local economy and a corresponding decline in anticipated sales
Inslee statement on Saturday protests
-- from Governor Jay Inslee -- As people gather today to protest the unjust death of George Floyd, I hope they do so peacefully and safely. Everyone has the freedom - and the right - to demonstrate and speak their mind. However, violence and destruction have no place in Washington
COVID-19 Community Conversations | Round Seven
-- from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management -- After taking a week off, COVID-19 Community Conversations continues with another set of videos highlighting specific efforts from organizations and people in our community that provide key services and crucial leadership around the county. You can find our entire collection of
County investigating COVID-19 case exposure on San Juan Island
Technically, the case belongs to another county, but ... -- from Brendan Cowan for Department of Emergency Management -- The San Juan County Health & Community Services surveillance and contact tracing team is actively investigating a positive COVID-19 case with ties to San Juan Island. The case technically belongs to
Inslee extends 23 COVID-19 proclamations
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of 23 proclamations today in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. The extensions were approved by the state Legislature. The proclamations, which were set to expire on May 31, 2020, are extended to June 17, 2020. All
Face masks not required on ferries, but are ‘encouraged’
-- from Washington State Ferries -- Please be advised that San Juan County has moved into Phase 2 of the Governor’s plan for reopening Washington. Visitors to the San Juan Islands are required to wear masks/face coverings upon entering or remaining in any business in San Juan County. Travel should also
Governor announces state’s long term care testing plan and farmworker protections
-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the state’s plan to begin broad testing within long term care facilities and laid out additional health and safety guidelines for the agriculture industry. Farmworker protections The governor issued a proclamation providing additional health and safety guidelines to
Sheriff Krebs expresses heartbreak as country reacts to George Floyd killing
-- from Sheriff Ron Krebs -- Over the last few days we have all witnessed the unfolding events in Minnesota, and around the country, spurred by a tragic death that occurred in Minneapolis involving the police and a black male who was in custody. The actions that resulted in the
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. New, county-based, safe start plan announced today. Gov. Jay Inslee announced today an updated county-by-county Safe Start plan. The plan outlines new targets and metrics for containing
Sheriff’s report | May 20-26, 2020
— from San Juan County Sheriff’s Office — Wednesday, May 20, 202020-003683 Fraud 08:16:42 05/20/20San Juan Deputies were advised of a fraudulent unemployment claim. The incident was documented. 20-003685 Fraud 09:13:58 05/20/20San Juan Deputies were advised of a fraudulent unemployment claim. The incident was documented. 20-003686 Fraud 09:43:32 05/20/20A Lopez
San Juan County Courts offer new process for reducing court-ordered debts
-- from Mellissa Derksema for San Juan County District Court -- For those who have court-ordered fines and fees, San Juan County District Court and Superior Court are offering a new, easier way to ask the courts to reduce or forgive your debts – and many people qualify for relief.
Commercial, residential burning closes at end of month
-- from San Juan County Communications -- All permits issued for burning commercial or residential burns are expiring as the burn season has come to a close. Campfires, burning charcoal or firewood, remain allowed in contained campfire bowls, stoves, or rings remain allowed in sizes up to 3 foot in
State public lands managers to reopen campgrounds in 22 counties
Yep, Moran is reopening, but not for camping -- from Washington State Parks -- OLYMPIA – May 29, 2020 – Today, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks), Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that camping in 22 counties will begin to reopen on Monday, June 1. Counties reopening for
Virtual Film Fest | Food, fashion, and art
-- from Orcas Island Film Festival -- Diana Kennedy: Nothing Fancy Featuring extensive interviews with Diana Kennedy and famed chefs José Andrés, Rick Bayless, Gabriela Camara and Alice Waters, Diana Kennedy provides an intimate look at the leading expert on Mexican cuisine. The author of nine acclaimed cookbooks and a
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. Inslee issued proclamations related to long term care facilities, farmworker health, and tribal fuel tax refund. Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the state’s plan to begin
Pandemic poetry | Try to praise the mutilated world
Try to Praise the Mutilated World BY ADAM ZAGAJEWSKI -- TRANSLATED BY CLARE CAVANAGH Try to praise the mutilated world.Remember June's long days,and wild strawberries, drops of rosé wine.The nettles that methodically overgrowthe abandoned homesteads of exiles.You must praise the mutilated world.You watched the stylish yachts and ships;one of them had a
