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
Letter to Editor | Island living extends to on-the-water kindness
-- from Alex MacLeod and Willie Williams -- There are few things more special to life in the islands than the opening day of spot-prawn fishing. And there are few things less welcome than having one’s line-puller stop working as the first of two pots is lifting off the bottom.
What does the future bring? Advisory team will explore challenges, opportunity
-- from Hilary Canty for Orcas Island Community Foundation -- As Orcas enters summer under phase 2 of the Governors reopening plan, it is clear that the impact of COVID19 is deep and lasting and will continue to result in major disruption to our economy, our education system, and our
WSF doesn’t require face masks, but . . .
-- 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
Hot Topic #24 | Three critical medical updates
COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders -- from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management -- San Juan County Health & Community Services wants to share three simple but incredibly important pieces of information about healthcare in our community. IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING COVID SYMPTOMS,
Cemetery District schedules Zoom meeting
-- from Scott Miller for SJC Cemetery District 3 -- The June General Meeting for the San Juan County Cemetery District #3 (Orcas Island), scheduled for 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, will be held as a virtual Zoom meeting. The agenda is available online at the Orcas cemetery website.
EDC kicks off new Trades Talks series
-- from Mickey von Dassow for Economic Development Council The Economic Development Council, an islands non-profit, is starting a new series of talks about entering the skilled trades to help people jump into career development quickly as training opportunities re-open. Trades professionals remain in high demand by local businesses and
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 definition of a close contact. Today, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) updated the definition of a COVID-19 close contact to align with new CDC
Inslee announces religious and faith-based services guidance
-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the state’s plan for restarting religious and faith-based services for Phases 1 and 2 of Washington’s “Safe Start” reopening plan. Beginning today, religious and faith-based organizations in Phase 1 counties may host up to 100 people for outdoor
Letter to Editor | An open letter to Madrona Voices (and our community)
-- from Sadie Bailey -- Dear Madrona Voices: I appreciate your taking the time to survey us on how Covid-19 is affecting us. That said, as with your airport survey, I take issue with some of the "either/or," and questions that rate things on a scale, because the questions and
Inslee issues updated guidance for outdoor recreation in Phases 1 and 2
-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- Gov. Jay Inslee today issued guidance further clarifying outdoor recreation requirements in Phase 1 and Phase 2. Through the Washington "Safe Start" plan, more businesses and activities will re-open in phases, with adequate safety and health standards in place. Each phase will
Report: COVID-19 transmission increasing in eastern Washington, decreasing in western Washington
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Camp Murray, WA — The latest statewide modeling report shows COVID-19 transmission trending downwards in western Washington and upwards in eastern Washington. The report estimates differences between counties by combining modeling estimates of how the disease is spreading with data on reported cases. The report estimates
Islanders participate in CBS “Taps Across America”
-- by Lin McNulty, Orcas Issues Editor -- When CBS News "On the Road" correspondent Steve Hartman, along with retired Air Force bugler Jari Villanueva, asked Americans across the country -- veterans, musicians, teachers, and students of all abilities and age -- to sound "Taps" at 3 p.m., local time on
Inslee extends garnishment proclamation relating to COVID-19
-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of one proclamation today in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. The proclamation is effective as of 11:59 PM on May 27, 2020, subject to agreement by the leadership of the Washington State Senate and
State Parks offers three free days in June
Social distancing rules still in effect -- from Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission -- OLYMPIA – May 27, 2020 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to enjoy three free days at state parks in June. On free days, visitors don’t need a Discover Pass
Madrona Voices launches a new survey on COVID-19
-- from Steve Smith for Madrona Voices -- Madrona Voices is asking you to participate in a survey about the virus and how our community is responding to it. Invitations to take the survey have been emailed to those who have taken past surveys. We are surveying the residents and
Recap of Today’s COVID-19 News and Updates
Statewide Response 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 Reporting: As of May 25, a total of 3,728 COVID-19 cases (19% of total cases) and 667 deaths (62% of
