Wolf Hollow: Help us help young, injured critters
-- from Shona Aitken for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center -- If you find an injured wild animal, or a young wild creature that seems to be separated from its parents, what should you do? We certainly don’t suggest rushing to the rescue without first being sure that the animal
Retired Gen. James Mattis urges fellow Washingtonians to stay united, wear face coverings to fight COVID-19
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Camp Murray, WA — As communities across the state experience spikes in the number of positive COVID-19 cases, former U.S. Defense Secretary, Gen. (R) James Mattis is urging Washingtonians to follow physical distancing recommendations and wear face coverings to help slow the spread.
Structure of redistricting comes from census stats
-- from Ellie Probus for Washington Census Alliance -- As the 2020 Census nears its close in October, Washington state will begin setting up its 2021 redistricting process. The task of revising legislative and congressional district lines happens every 10 years, and is necessary to ensure that each district has
Orcas graduate among Amazon future engineer college scholarships
-- from GeekWire -- Two Washington state students are among 100 winners of Amazon Future Engineer college scholarships, the company announced this week. This is the second year that Amazon has selected high school students from across the U.S. to receive $40,000 to study computer science at the college of
Sheriff’s Report | June 17 – 22, 2020
-- from San Juan County Sheriff's Office -- WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 202020-004633 Malicious Mischief 09:21:39 06/17/20A Deputy on Orcas responded to a vandalism call near Deer Harbor. A report was taken. There are no suspects at this time. 20-004637 Found Property 11:54:52 06/17/20A Deputy on Orcas was dispatched to found
League of Women Voters holds virtual primary election forums for county council candidates
-- from Hayley Day for League of Women Voters -- The League of Women Voters of the San Juans will hold candidate forums on the video conference platform Zoom at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 7, and Wednesday, July 8. To attend the forums, please send a message to candidateforums2020@gmail.com to
Larsen votes for police conduct reform, equal justice legislation
-- from Rep. Rick Larsen's Office -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – [Yesterday], Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted for landmark legislation to halt police violence, help build confidence in law enforcement and keep communities safe. The Justice In Policing Act passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 236 to 181. “Black lives matter.”
WA House Speaker shares details about considerations for redistricting appointments
Hints at more diverse commission on call with Tacoma community groups -- from Ellie Probus for Washington Census Alliance -- TACOMA, Wash.—As the 2020 Census nears its close in October, Washington state will begin setting up its 2021 redistricting process. The task of revising legislative and congressional district lines happens
June 30 business assistance PPP deadline quickly approaching
-- from Mickey von Dassow for Economic Development Council -- The last day to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is June 30, 2020. As of today, June 26, there is plenty of money in the program, and restrictions which may have deterred some businesses have been loosened. To
WSF addresses reductions in service during COVID pandemic
-- from Amy Scarton for Washington State Ferries -- A few weeks ago I explained that any changes to our current reduced schedules will be based on our COVID Response Service Plan’s four pillars of service – ridership, crew availability, vessel availability and funding. With more than 100 high-risk employees
Governor: WA Colleges will open in Fall with new state guidelines
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee was joined today by presidents of Washington colleges and universities to unveil the guidance for reopening in-person instruction at higher education institutions in the fall. Today’s announcement comes with a proclamation providing specific health guidance for four-year public and private institutions, as well as
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 dashboard and the state’s COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard. Inslee visits Spokane to discuss COVID-19 response and recovery. Gov. Jay Inslee traveled to Spokane today to visit with leaders in local
County Council considers resolution addressing use of force policies and social justice
-- by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter – At their June 23 meeting, the County Council took up for consideration a proposed resolution that is aimed at addressing issues of justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity in the County and affirming “Commitment to a Safe and Inclusive Community.” In addition to
Merry-Ann Keane to leave PeaceHealth
-- from Deanna Ellefson for PeaceHealth Peace Island -- Charles Prosper, chief executive of PeaceHealth, Northwest, announced today that Merry-Ann Keane, chief administrative officer for PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center, had informed him of her decision to leave PeaceHealth to be closer to family abroad. Keane’s last day will be July 17,
WSF: We don’t want your cash
Due to national coin shortage -- from Washington State Ferries -- Customers are encouraged to use debit or credit cards when purchasing their tickets at the terminal. Terminals have a limited supply of change due to a national coin shortage caused by COVID-19. Should customers need to pay with cash,
OPAL’s annual Gala moves online June 27 to 30
-- from Crystal Mossman for OPAL -- In response to this year’s need for social distancing, OPAL will hold its annual benefit Gala online and expand the event to four days. OPAL Gala2020 will begin at noon on Saturday, June 27, and end at midnight on Tuesday, June 30. The
