Here’s a thought…
“I’m calling on Washingtonians – please, don’t be a spark this weekend. Your choices could literally save lives.”
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC LANDS DAVE UPTHEGROVE
Inslee, state leaders warn U.S. Senators of pending ACA lawsuit amid Supreme Court nomination
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR JAY INSLEE ||| As the U.S. Senate rushes through the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett, the lawsuit deciding the fate of Affordable Care Act (California v. Texas) will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court in less than a month — putting the
Letter to Editor | Rep. Lekanoff endorses Cindy Wolf for SJC Council
||| FROM REP. DEBRA LEKANOFF, 40TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT ||| In 2018, Cindy Wolf invested in me as a candidate, and today I am investing in her as a candidate for San Juan County Council. A solid community leader, Cindy listens with a keen ear to the issues around her and
Record number served at mobile mammography event
||| FROM LENA KASSA FOR ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| The mobile mammogram screening event at Orcas Senior Center was another resounding success this year. Assured Imaging’s team served a record 94 patients, 15 more than last year’s record! Their Washington Operations Administrator, John Hayner, said they see their biggest attendance
Letter to Editor | Why bet on the come when we have an ace in the hand?
||| FROM PATTY MILLER ||| I am often perplexed when people say they voted for a particular candidate because of their affiliation with a party, their gender, or because they would just like to try a change. When did we stop voting for the best qualified candidates? Rick Hughes has
Makerspaces in the San Juans: A conversation with EDC, Port of Friday Harbor
||| FROM VICTORIA COMPTON FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ||| The Economic Development Council (EDC) of San Juan County invites the public to attend a discussion on the creation of a makerspace system in the islands, on Friday, October 23, 2020 from noon-1 p.m., in partnership with the Port of Friday
Recap of recent COVID-19 news and updates
||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ||| Statewide Response Updates Newest numbers. The Department of Health reported a total of 94,775 confirmed cases as of 11:59 pm on October 12. There have been 2,211 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department
To tricksters young and old: No Bonnie Brae Halloween this year
||| FROM LAURIE MICHAEL FOR BONNIE BRAE ||| Dear Orcas Community and Tricksters Young and Old, due to COVID-19, the Bonnie Brae Neighborhood has voted to cancel Halloween this year for safety concerns. Be Safe, Wear a Mask, and Social Distance so we can have a Super Goulish Time next
Back in the news | Prune Alley road plan hits a snag
||| BY MATTHEW GILBERT, theORCASONIAN REPORTER ||| Toward the end of a presentation on approving the county’s Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) at Tuesday’s weekly County Council meeting, County Manager Mike Thomas addressed new developments affecting the plan to redevelop Prune Alley. It has to do with the main sewer line
COVID-19 transmission increasing in western Washington, rates flat but higher in eastern Washington
||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ||| OLYMPIA – Today the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released the latest statewide situation report on COVID-19 transmission. Report findings include: Transmission is increasing in western Washington and recently plateauing in eastern Washington. The best estimates of the reproductive number (how many new people each COVID-19
Inslee announces new state group for COVID-19 economic recovery
||| FROM GOVERNOR JAY INSLEE'S OFFICE ||| Gov. Jay Inslee today introduced a new state effort to help communities recover from the social and economic damage wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the state continues to battle the deadly virus, the Washington Recovery Group will help strengthen the state’s recovery
Organizations of color blast Supreme Court ruling cutting Census short
||| FROM ELLIE PROBUS FOR WASHINGTON CENSUS ALLIANCE ||| SEATTLE—Today, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump Administration to conclude the 2020 Census count immediately, two weeks ahead of schedule. Community organizations and civil rights watchdogs have warned that an accurate census count is essential for low-income and underrepresented communities to
There’s a couple of housekeeping issues involving your upcoming ballot
||| FROM DAVID TURNOY, SAN JUAN COUNTY DEMOCRATS ||| You should be receiving your ballot any day now, and you should have also received the postcard from the County Democrats recommending or endorsing candidates. Unfortunately, there is an error on the postcard. While you vote for county council candidates in
Library is seeking a new trustee for 5-year term in 2021
||| FROM PHIL HEIKKINEN FOR ORCAS PUBLIC LIBRARY ||| The Orcas Island Public Library is seeking a new trustee to begin serving a five-year term on Jan. 1, 2021. Review of applications will begin on October 30, 2020. The board comprises five members who plan the direction of library services,
New COVID-19 case attributed to San Juan County
||| FROM BRENDAN COWAN, DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ||| One new positive COVID-19 case has been attributed to San Juan County, which brings the total number of cases in San Juan County to date to 33. This new case was reported in a part-time resident of a non-ferry served island.
Guest Opinion | Donald Trump is a clear and present danger
||| FROM HEDRICK SMITH, RECLAIM THE AMERICAN DREAM.ORG ||| Hedrick Smith, who conceived Reclaim the American Dream website and is its principal writer and architect, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning former New York Times reporter and Emmy award-winning documentary producer for PBS and PBS FRONTLINE. Washington – We have
Edmonds route down to one-boat after thunder bolt strikes ferry
||| FROM KOMO NEWS ||| EDMONDS, Wash. -- The busy Edmonds-Kingston ferry run remains down to one boat service Monday as crews continue to repair the M/V Puyallup after it was struck by lightning on Saturday afternoon, leaving travelers stuck with delays into a third days. The bolt hit during a thunderstorm
